Central Europe · 13 days
A Danube River Cruise with Prague Before and Budapest After
The most common regret we hear about river cruising is that the cities went past too quickly. This itinerary fixes that by adding land nights at both ends and letting the ship do what it does well: the stretch in between.
It suits travelers who want a single unpacking for the middle week, a guided framework, and the freedom to walk out of the door alone in the mornings.
Best for
First-time river cruisers who want the cities properly, not briefly
When to go
May, or late September into the Christmas market weeks
Duration
13 days
Guide price
From $11,200 per person, excluding flights
Highlights
- Three nights in Prague before boarding, in the Malá Strana rather than beside the astronomical clock
- Seven-night Danube sailing on a ship we know, in a cabin chosen for deck and position
- Wachau Valley by bicycle for those who want it, by car for those who do not
- Three nights in Budapest afterwards, including the thermal baths early, before the crowds
- Optional Christmas market timing in late November and December
Day by day
How the journey unfolds
Days 1–3
Prague
Arrive and rest. A morning across the river with a historian rather than a flag, an afternoon in the Jewish Quarter, and a night at the opera if the program suits.
Day 4
Transfer and embarkation
A private car to the ship rather than the group coach, arriving in time for a quiet lunch aboard before the crowd.
Days 5–7
Passau, Linz and the Wachau
The most beautiful stretch of the river. Bicycles along the bank from Melk for anyone who wants them, a winery in Dürnstein for everyone else.
Days 8–9
Vienna
Two nights alongside. A concert in a room worth being in, coffee where the Viennese drink it, and a morning at the Kunsthistorisches before it fills.
Day 10
Bratislava
A half day is genuinely enough. Old town on foot, lunch, and back aboard for the run down to Hungary.
Days 11–13
Budapest
Disembark and stay. The baths at opening time, a walk on the Buda side, and a last dinner overlooking the Danube you have just traveled.
What is included
- Six hotel nights in Prague and Budapest, with partner benefits where available
- Seven-night Danube cruise with cabin selection guidance
- All private transfers including ship to hotel
- Private guiding in Prague, Vienna and Budapest
- Concert and restaurant reservations
- Our direct line while you travel
Make it yours
Pricing is a guide based on recent bookings and varies with season, availability and the properties chosen. We will design your version of this journey after a discovery call.